China seeks progress of all humanity

President Xi Jinping recently put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, which with the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, is aimed at building a world where all people work together for the greater good.

Putting forward the Global Civilization Initiative on March 15, Xi emphasized that Chinese modernization is also a path the country should take to "seek progress for humanity and harmony for the entire world", which in turn will benefit the Chinese people as well as boost the common development of the world.

While China's rich cultural traditions will play a role in achieving this vision, it is important to acknowledge that it will not be easy. Those who resist the effort will need to be gently persuaded and shown the error of their ways through peaceful means. Also, it is important to improve global governance and establish a competent bureaucracy to oversee the distribution of resources and maintenance of social order. And information campaigns need to be launched to educate the people of the virtues of this diverse yet complementary world order.

The need is to focus on the positive aspects of the Global Civilization Initiative and work toward building a world where there is no or almost no racial or religious conflict or discrimination, and resources are fairly distributed. Together, we can build a fairer world order that also embodies the best of Chinese values and traditions, and serves as an example to the rest of the world.

Many countries and regions around the world have suffered at the hands of Western powers throughout history. From colonialism to imperialism, Western powers have often sought to exploit and dominate other countries for their own benefit. China, for example, was forced to open its borders to the Western powers in the 19th century, leading to the loss of its sovereignty and a century of humiliation at the hands of foreign powers.

While India was colonized by the British Empire for more than 200 years, with devastating consequences for its people, Iran has faced countless interventions and interferences from the West, including the overthrow of its democratically elected government in 1953. As for Russia, it has suffered at the hands of Western powers, particularly during the Cold War, when it was the target of aggressive policies aimed at containing the spread of communism. Not to mention the anti-Semitic thinking of some Western observers and politicians.

South America has a long history of interference and exploitation by Western powers, particularly the United States, which has frequently supported brutal dictators and coups to maintain its dominance in the region. Similarly, Africa was subject to centuries of colonization, exploitation, and enslavement by Western powers, leading to long-term economic and social problems that continue to this day.

The recent shift toward correcting these historical wrongs is an important step toward a more just and equitable world. This shift, by the way, started in the West. China does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

So, by acknowledging the harm that has been done and taking steps to redress it, the collective West can move toward a future in which all countries and peoples are treated with dignity and respect. This includes acknowledging the contributions of non-Western cultures and traditions, individuals and brands, as well as promoting greater understanding and cooperation between different countries and regions. By working together to achieve common goals, despite the diversity, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Indeed, the future global civilization is a source of great hope and promise for the billions of non-Western people who bring with them a rich diversity of cultures, traditions and religions. Islam, Orthodoxy, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism and many other belief systems will all play a role in shaping the future of humankind.

However, for Western elites who have long held a position of dominance in the world, this prospect can be horrifying. The idea of a future where their values and beliefs, inventions, opinions and make-beliefs are no longer paramount, and where birth right no longer automatically bears any particular privilege, sends shivers down their spines, and can lead to strong feelings of xenophobia and nihilism.

The truth is that the non-Western people are not a threat to Western civilization; rather, they are a source of renewal and inspiration. For too long, Western powers have taken credit for scientific developments, discoveries and inventions, and for enriching literature and language often at the expense of other cultures and civilizations. Then the United States, by virtue of stolen land and a fantastic strategic location, unraveled the British Empire, helped defeat the German Reich and end the Japanese dominion, and survived the Cold War and then turned around and said: "We won-End of history!"

Do those defeated people really want to be patronized and controlled by their American overlords? Don't think so. There is no end to that history.

That is why China does not want to replace the US as the world's next superpower. Instead, it aims to help build a multipolar world order of sovereign nations. By learning from the experiences and insights of Western and non-Western traditions, we can combine and unlock new sources of knowledge and promote innovation in order to propel humankind to the next level. Civilization is all of us.

The author is a German writer and cultural critic.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.